Running Club Records

Release Date: July 22nd 2022

Reviewed by: Joshua Andre

Leslie Jordan– All That I Need To Know (Amazon mp3/iTunes)

Track Listing:

1. Great I Am
2. Found It All
3. Love Will Never Fail (1 Corinthians 13)
4. Steadfast
5. Good God
6. Take Heart

Worship band All Sons And Daughters disbanded in 2018. In fact, for me it’s felt that All Sons and Daughters broke up too soon. With David Leonard and Leslie Jordan making music together officially as All Sons and Daughters since 2011; we have been blessed to hear this critically acclaimed duo make some of the most heartfelt, honest, raw, real, and most poignant worship songs this generation has ever seen. From songs like “Called Me Higher”, “Rising Sun”, “Oh Our Lord”, “All the Poor and Powerless” and “Oh How I Need You”, to “Great Are You Lord”, “Spirit Speaks”, “Brokenness Aside”, “Reason to Sing” and “Christ Be All Around Me”; both David and Leslie have embarked on a unique journey as we were given an avenue into worship music that literally turned the genre of worship music in its head. They were a band that I personally didn’t really listen to religiously, and so when they broke up, I wasn’t that torn up and emotional about it. However. I was intrigued when former lead singer David Leonard released his solo album The Wait. We reviewed the project here; and generally, we had positive things to say about the album. Now, fast forward to now, and Leslie Jordan (also formerly from All Sons And Daughters) has delivered her debut EP as a solo artist. All That I Need To Know released in July… and these reflective, moving, inspiring, thought-provoking and poignant melodies remind us all that Leslie has so much more left to give as a worship leader, singer and songwriter. All Sons And Daughters may be done, but Leslie and her worship music ministry is just beginning!

[These songs] they have been good companions to me in many ways. First, I believe because each of these songs already existed on projects prior to this one. So, I lived with them for quite some time before recording them. And secondly, we aimed to create a sonic bed for these songs that was safe. And what I mean by that is we hope that sonically, these songs don’t require anything from the listener. That they will accompany you wherever you are. Jess Ray, who I helped co-produce this record with, and I were talking about how we need more songs of worship that wind us down rather than work us up. I think we can all agree it is good to be in the presence of God. But most of our hours are spent doing very normal, and mundane things. Wouldn’t it be lovely to have music to accompany that aspect of our relationship with God?

Opening the track list with “Great I Am”, the powerful, haunting and reflective piano ballad is where Leslie emphatically relays to us all that Jesus Christ is the Great I Am, and that ‘…You have been the lighthouse in the storm, You are still the voice I listen for, You will be the rock on which I stand, the Great I Am…’. A track that is just as powerful as its namesake from Jared Anderson; Leslie majestically and powerfully delivers a heart-warming moment of unbridled worship- and inspires us all to each take time out of our day and our busy schedules to worship God in whatever way we feel like we can. Personal reflection, quiet time, soaking, whatever you want to call it; the alone time with God is very special, and Leslie has presented to us a song that is fitted for just that- individual personal worship rather than something to sing with a rousing group together at church on Sunday mornings. “Great I Am” is reflective, but Leslie reminds us that reflective worship songs have their place.

The rest of the EP presents honest, emotional, and personal moments of surrender and worship to Jesus Christ. “Found It All” is a reverent, introspective ballad where Leslie sings about how she has found everything she needs in her life in Jesus Christ; while “Love Will Never Fail” is essentially a moving ballad that is paraphrased from 1 Corinthians 13. “Steadfast”, a piano led lullaby-ish melody, speaks about how Leslie will place her trust in Jesus, and that she will build her life on the rock and the steadfast love of Jesus; while the penultimate melody “Good God” borrows themes from “Be Still” from Steven Curtis Chapman and “Good Good Father” from Housefires (but still has its own identity!). All That I Need To Know then ends with “Take Heart”, a melody that unfortunately is one of the low points, as melodies of the same name from Hillsong UNITED and from Matthew West, resonate with me more.

One of my favourite quotes from Richard Rohr says this: “The greatest dis-ease facing humanity right now is our profound and painful sense of disconnection. Disconnection from God, certainly, but also from ourselves, from each other, and from our world.”

I think connection is one of the greatest tools we have as worship leaders. And as important as it is to know God, it is just as important to know ourselves so that we can know others and be known while aiming to lead truthfully. Take care of yourself, rest well and be a good listener. All of these things only help when in any sort of leadership role.

Take them with you and let them accompany your everyday moments, let the truth of these songs sink down into the empty parts of your spirit. Be still with them, go for a run with them, cook with them. I believe they will provide a safe and honest space to sort things out with God. 

In a previous review, we lauded David Leonard’s The Wait, and we concluded that it was worth the wait and exceeded our expectations of what a worship album should sound like. Leslie Jordan’s EP is well worth the listen… but I felt like it was a little bland musically. It’s all piano ballads and slow songs, and yes, this is what Leslie does the best. But as much as I objectively loved the tracks, I felt as if the spark that was in All Sons And Daughters (and is still there for David’s solo album), was missing in this EP. Don’t get me wrong, these songs are good individually. But I was left wanting more, and probably more variety musically. All That I Need To Know is good for personal worship in your home and reflection. But outside of that purpose… maybe just stick with AS&D for now. Will Leslie ever sing upbeat worship songs? I reckon she should at least try. Otherwise, it might be slightly boring for those of us with shortish attention spans.

Occasionally an AS&D song will appear on a playlist or shuffle, and I listen with fondness for what that season of my life was – especially now that I am a mom! My son will turn 5 in November and doesn’t know that part of my life. So it is fun to share those memories with him. I’m grateful for that music and that time making records and touring. But even more grateful for where that season led me!

3 songs to listen to: Great I Am, Steadfast, Good God

Score: 3.5/5

RIYL: Leeland, Phil Wickham, Hillsong Worship, David Leonard, Katy Nichole, Amanda Cook, Steffany Gretzinger, Big Daddy Weave